Gary A. Staley, 75, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Born October 10, 1949, in Mechanicsburg, PA, he was the son of the late Raymond Oscar and Elizabeth Gertrude (Killick) Staley.
Gary was a 1968 graduate of East Pennsboro High School where he played baseball and basketball. A US Army veteran, Gary served honorably during Vietnam from May 15, 1969, until he was discharged on May 6, 1971. Gary would be the first to tell you that he was thankful to have been spared the horrors of Vietnam, and that he was lucky to have spent his time serving in Germany. He was able to expand his love for what we'd now call "classic rock" while serving his country and had the unique opportunity to discover American and British bands while living abroad, and collecting vinyl records of his favorite groups like Led Zeppelin, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and The Who. Gary was a railroad conductor for 47 years, working for Penn Central, Con-Rail and Norfolk Southern throughout his career. Gary met the love of his life and future wife of 25 years, Cheryl Jean Staley, while working for Conrail. He was a member of the American Legion Post 751 and former member of Enola Fish and Game Club.
When Gary wasn't working with train cars he could be found riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle named Black Moriah, or at home watching the Little League World Series, the Baltimore Orioles, or shows like Modern Marvels while sitting comfortably beside Cheryl, and with his loyal orange house cat, Tanner, sprawled on his lap, and on occasion, if just enough Yuengling was involved, he could be found dancing and serenading his wife as one of his many favorite records would spin in the background.
Gary is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Anderson) Staley, whom he married on August 5, 1999; a step-son, Briar Brelsford and his wife Laura; and a grandson, Ivan Joseph Brelsford due shortly.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd, Annville, PA 17003 with Pastor Gayle Ruble officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.
